African experts call for cycling lanes to improve safety, meet climate goals

As green transformation of transport is gaining pace globally, environmentalists and industry stakeholders in Africa are advocating introducing dedicated cycling lanes in urban development planning as an affordable way to improve safety, reduce congestion and meet climate goals.

Transport experts say investments in protected cycling corridors and bike-friendly infrastructure could transform mobility in rapidly growing urban centers, reducing dependence on private vehicles and cutting harmful emissions.

Dedicated cycling lanes are not a common sight in most African countries, and progress has been slowed by key challenges, including inadequate road space, unsafe mixed-traffic conditions and limited government funding for cycling infrastructure across the continent.

According to Maarten Fonteijn, Kenyan country manager for eBee, a pan-African e-mobility company, cycling offers a highly space-efficient, affordable, and zero-emission transport option.

"African cities cannot solve congestion by building more roads for cars alone. As populations and incomes grow, there is not enough urban space for everyone to commute by private vehicles," he said. "Dedicated cycling lanes help reduce congestion, improve road safety, lower transport costs, and cut emissions."

Fonteijn noted that protected cycling lanes, which physically separate cyclists from motorized traffic, can encourage more people — including women, children and older adults — to use bikes for commuting, school trips and other daily journeys.

He said it is even feasible for both e-bikes and manual bikes to share the same lanes if safety measures are taken. "Electric bicycles should have a maximum speed of 32 kilometers per hour, which is a speed that manual riders could get to as well," Fonteijn said.

Rob de Jong, head of the sustainable mobility unit in the Industry and Economy Division of the United Nations Environment Programme, said Africa's transport sector accounts for 31 percent of the continent's carbon dioxide emissions, a figure expected to rise as urbanization and vehicle ownership continue to grow.

He said that Africa accounts for 24 percent of global road traffic fatalities despite having only 3 percent of the world's vehicle fleet. Pedestrians and cyclists make up more than a third of those killed on the continent's roads.

"Protected cycling lanes, traffic-calmed streets, and safe crossings directly reduce this toll by separating vulnerable road users from high-speed traffic and creating safer, more predictable streets for everyone," de Jong said.

He described protected bike lanes, safe corridors and connected cycling networks as among the most cost-effective tools available for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"Studies show that protected bicycle lane networks are approximately 10 times more cost-effective at reducing greenhouse gas emissions per dollar spent than metro rail systems," de Jong said.

Improving accessibility

Beyond environmental gains, he said well-designed active mobility networks can improve mobility for people with disabilities, reduce transport poverty and help create more inclusive cities where access to mobility is not determined by income or ownership of a private vehicle.

Cycling infrastructure can also generate significant economic returns.

For many households, Fonteijn said, bikes reduce daily transport costs while improving access to jobs, education and essential services.

He said that cycling infrastructure supports local businesses by increasing footfalls, stimulates demand for bike sales and maintenance services, and creates jobs throughout the cycling ecosystem.

De Jong noted that each kilometer cycled generates approximately 18 cents in net economic gains for society, while each kilometer driven incurs 17 cents in costs.

"In Bogota (Colombia's capital city), protected bicycle lanes generate $80 million per year in economic benefits from time and cost savings alone," he said. "Bicycle ownership costs roughly $3 per 100 km traveled, compared to $18 for a private car."

The benefits extend beyond economics and climate action. Cycling encourages physical activity, improves air quality, and creates more people-centered urban spaces.

He said that safe and comfortable active mobility has been shown to improve mental well-being by reducing stress, anxiety and depression while creating more livable and socially connected urban spaces.

Several African countries are already demonstrating the potential of cycling-focused urban planning.

According to de Jong, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Egypt and Kenya have introduced policies and projects aimed at expanding active mobility infrastructure. Cities, including Addis Ababa, Kigali, Cairo, Nairobi and Kisumu have invested in cycling lanes, pedestrian facilities and bike-sharing programs.

De Jong said Addis Ababa's city corridor project has delivered more than 60 km of walkways and protected cycle tracks, with expansion planned to over 76 km of cycle tracks and 200 km of walkways.

Egypt is implementing its Active Mobility Strategy Framework (2025-34) through the Cairo Bike project, which provides solar-powered rental bikes with app-based access at 25 stations, with plans to expand to 500 bikes across 45 stations.

Nairobi, on the other hand, has made a landmark policy commitment, allocating 20 percent of its road construction budget for nonmotorized transport and requiring all new and upgraded roads to include walking and cycling components.

edithmutethya@chinadaily.com.cn